9 Things That Trigger Rosacea

It's
believed that about 16 million Americans have rosacea, and yet there's no cure.
Red skin, visible blood vessels, and acne-like breakouts are hallmarks of the
skin disorder. Symptoms often are triggered by the environment, cosmetics, or
something you eat or drink. Susan Stuart, MD, founder and medical director of
La Jolla Dermatology in San Diego, Calif., said it's important to be
aware of common
triggers for rosacea to avoid embarrassing flare-ups when you want to
put your best face forward. Here are some things to avoid with rosacea.

Spicy Foods

Enjoying
a Mexican or Indian meal may leave you feeling satisfied, but also red in the
face. That's because spicy foods are one of the common things that trigger
rosacea. Exercise caution around curry, cayenne
pepper, red pepper flakes, and salsa. "We all love our spicy foods,
but consume them in moderation or not at all if you need to look your best for
that business meeting or special social engagement," advised Stuart.

The Sun

Days
at the beach are great, but your skin will pay the price. Sun exposure is the
most common thing that triggers rosacea, according to a survey by the National
Rosacea Society. Dr. Stuart explained how a trigger aggravates rosacea.
"Rosacea is essentially a vascular disorder characterized by blood vessels near
the skin surface that dilate suddenly, increasing local blood flow and
resulting in flushing and redness to the skin," she said. "A trigger
simply stimulates these blood vessels to dilate." To protect sensitive skin, avoid
the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and always use
a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Stress

You
just found out the co-worker you can't stand is now your boss: That's the kind
of news that will dial up your
stress-o-meter and could trigger rosacea, too. Stress is among the
things that make rosacea worse. You can't always avoid it, but you can help
minimize its effect on your life and your skin. Take a minute or two and think
calming thoughts. Try a stress-busting technique like deep breathing. Or get a
dog — for many people, pets reduce stress.

Exercise

Exercise
is good for body and soul, but it's also one of the things that aggravate
rosacea. In the National Rosacea Society survey, 56 percent of the respondents
said that heavy
exercise is a rosacea trigger. "Exercise elevates your heart rate,
which is good, but also causes flushing from increased blood flow to the skin,"
Stuart said. Consider exercising in off-peak hours when the sun is low and outside
temperatures are cooler, she added.

Alcohol

After
a tough day at the office, unwinding with a glass of wine or a cocktail may
sound like a good idea. But alcohol can be one of those things to avoid with
rosacea. In the National Rosacea Society survey, 52 percent of the respondents
said that alcohol
is a thing that triggers rosacea. Red wine tops the list of alcoholic drinks
most likely to cause a flare-up, according to the American Academy
of Dermatologists. Also on the list is a shot of gin, vodka, or whiskey mixed
with 6 ounces of very cold water. Avoid soda or juice mixers as these things
may make rosacea worse.

Hot Drinks

Hot
beverages can be one of the things that aggravate rosacea. Of the people who
took the National Rosacea Society survey, 36 percent said that heated beverages
are a trigger. Hot chocolate, hot tea, and hot
coffee are all culprits. Keep in mind that anything that causes the
blood vessels to expand can cause flushing and redness. If you can't get by
without your morning cup of joe, wait until it's cooled down a bit before
sipping. Consider switching out hot tea and coffee for iced versions.

Heat

Heat
is among the things that make rosacea worse. And it's not just a challenge
during the summer — it can be a year-round problem for you. "The
winter is the time we close our windows and turn up those furnaces,"
Stuart noted, "so lower that thermostat and open some windows to keep your
living spaces cool and less dry." In summer, seek out air conditioning.
Dress in layers so you can peel some off if you begin to overheat. Avoid saunas
and hot tubs and store your moisturizer in the fridge — the soothing
coolness may cut down on rosacea flushing.

Cold

Winter
winds and cold temperatures are common things that trigger rosacea. Cover your face
with a scarf or ski mask. Just make sure it's not made of wool or another rough
fabric that could irritate your skin. Ask your dermatologist about a skin
barrier ointment that could protect
your skin from the cold weather elements. Get to know your personal
rosacea triggers, advised Stuart. "Avoiding triggers does not seem to
slow the progression of this skin condition, but a thorough knowledge of them
will help you co-exist with this disease more easily," she said.

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